Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at Canada customs?

There is nothing to declare — narcotics and psychotropic substances cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances in Canada?

Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship narcotics and psychotropic substances to Canada instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take narcotics and psychotropic substances out of Canada?

Canada publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the Canada limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c. 19). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Except as authorized under the regulations, no person shall import into Canada or export from Canada a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV, V or VI.”

How does Canada compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the strictest.

How much Narcotics and psychotropic substances can I bring into Canada?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Narcotics and psychotropic substances into Canada.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c. 19) Department of Justice Canada

Questions about Narcotics and psychotropic substances in Canada

How many narcotics and psychotropic substances can I bring into Canada?: narcotics and psychotropic substances may not be brought into Canada at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at Canada customs?: There is nothing to declare — narcotics and psychotropic substances cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances in Canada?: Under Memorandum D2-3-1, Tariff item No. 9804.30.00, Note 1, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under Customs Act, section 124, if the goods are found without being declared: an administrative fine is imposed. Under Customs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 1: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship narcotics and psychotropic substances to Canada instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take narcotics and psychotropic substances out of Canada?: Canada publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the Canada limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) states it in Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c. 19). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Except as authorized under the regulations, no person shall import into Canada or export from Canada a substance included in Schedule I, II, III, IV, V or VI.”
How does Canada compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. Canada is among the strictest.

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